Transparency needed for Marine museum

Published: Friday, December 27, 2013 at 07:35 PM.

Realistic (adjective) — having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.

Boondoggle (verb) — to waste money or time on unnecessary or questionable projects.

Rip-off (noun) — To exploit, swindle, cheat or defraud.

The Museum of the Marine Carolinas, is a noble concept and more than a decade old. But, was it realistic, a boondoggle, a rip-off or a bridge too far?

I recently read that the Museum of the Marine Carolinas (MMC) was not doing too well fiscally. I am not surprised. As early Aug. 24, 2001, I cautioned both the county and city leaders to avoid investing in this project. That advice was ignored, so I recently did a little research.

According to the Jacksonville city manager, Jacksonville has provided $800,000 and the city’s Tourist Development Fund has provided $200,000 (all earmarked for physical items). The Onslow County public information officer indicates, $625,925.78, of the one million pledged by Onslow County, has been remitted to the museum.

Realistic (adjective) — having or showing a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved or expected.

Boondoggle (verb) — to waste money or time on unnecessary or questionable projects.

Rip-off (noun) — To exploit, swindle, cheat or defraud.

The Museum of the Marine Carolinas, is a noble concept and more than a decade old. But, was it realistic, a boondoggle, a rip-off or a bridge too far?

I recently read that the Museum of the Marine Carolinas (MMC) was not doing too well fiscally. I am not surprised. As early Aug. 24, 2001, I cautioned both the county and city leaders to avoid investing in this project. That advice was ignored, so I recently did a little research.

According to the Jacksonville city manager, Jacksonville has provided $800,000 and the city’s Tourist Development Fund has provided $200,000 (all earmarked for physical items). The Onslow County public information officer indicates, $625,925.78, of the one million pledged by Onslow County, has been remitted to the museum.

The North Carolina General Assembly donated $4 million in the 2003 session of the House (HOUSE DRH80415-LG-219 (05/12)). The Gold LEAF program gave $390,000 (2006 and 2007). One Museum of the Marine Carolinas museum website indicates individuals can purchase “bricks” at $150 to $260 each and membership is available at $150 and up. Thus far, not counting the “bricks” and “membership,” more than 6$ million dollars has been donated — the bulk of which came from public coffers.

What do we have to show for that $6 million or more? To the best of my knowledge, and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, only a 30-slot extension to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial parking lot. That is, if that 30-slot extension is indeed the MMC parking lot and paid for by MMC funds; and is not an extension of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial parking lot paid for by VVM funds. The proposed $200,000, 11-foot bronze Eagle, Globe and Anchor sculpture has yet to be installed.

I believe there are a lot of unknowns. Where has all the money gone? How much money has been collected? What are the museum’s assets and where are they located? Should the project be audited? Should public funds be withdrawn or at least placed on hold?

Over the life of this project, how much has been spent — especially on salary? Should staff wages and/or staff be reduced? Has management been effective? Was this project unrealistic, a boondoggle or a rip-off? You decide.

As I indicated in the beginning, the Museum of the Marine Carolinas is a noble concept; however, in my opinion, at best it certainly appears to have been a bridge too far and the only project beneficiaries, at this time, appear to be the staff that have been or are drawing a salary. I look forward to the answers.